Should You Do an Exuma Tour from Nassau?

The typical Exuma tour from Nassau is a long but rewarding full-day boat trip (9–10 hours). You’ll visit several cays, feed swimming pigs, snorkel with nurse sharks and rays at spots like Compass Cay, and stop at a beach for lunch. The boat rides between islands can be rough if the wind is up, so expect salt spray, some bouncing, and a fair amount of time on the water. The snorkeling is genuinely good and the pigs are fun once, but the experience is very structured and tourist-oriented. It’s a solid way to see Exuma without staying there, but it’s not a relaxing beach day.

Best time is December through April when the seas are usually calmer and the weather is pleasant. Summer and hurricane season (June–November) often bring rougher rides and last-minute cancellations. Expect to pay around $250–$380 per person for a decent full-day tour that includes lunch, snorkel gear, and hotel pickup in Nassau. Cheaper options exist but usually cut corners on boat quality or time on the islands.

Pick the smaller-group powerboat tours over the big catamarans if you want more time in the water and fewer crowds. Skip the ATV tours in George Town unless you’re staying on Exuma; they don’t justify the long boat ride from Nassau. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and a light jacket — even on sunny days the boat ride back can get chilly and wet.